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On 6 October 2023, the Israeli Parliamentary Commission on Foreign Policy and Security approved a bill for consideration by the Knesset that would ban the activities of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) in the country. This decision was prompted by evidence of the agency’s employees’ involvement in the massacres that took place on 7 October, as well as information about the use of UNRWA premises and resources by the Hamas terrorist organisation, as reported by Time Ukraine Israel , citing the source Newsru.co.il.
According to the draft law, all Israeli officials and civil servants are prohibited from contacting UNRWA staff, issuing diplomatic visas and providing economic benefits. Criminal investigations are planned to be launched against UNRWA staff who are accused of terrorist activities. Once the law comes into force, UNRWA and its staff will lose diplomatic immunity and tax benefits.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed his concern over the draft law in a letter to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. He stressed that if the law is passed, UNRWA will not be able to perform its functions, and this issue will have to be raised at the UN General Assembly.
This step could have a significant impact on the humanitarian situation in the region, as well as on Israel’s relations with the international community. Time will tell what consequences the adoption of this bill will have.
